A Marietta man pleaded guilty to ill treatment of animals after he was accused of dragging a dog named Andra Grace behind his truck.

Roger Owens, 53, has been held in the Greenville County jail on bond for the charges of ill treatment of animals, driving under suspension and habitual offender since his Dec. 17 arrest.

Greenville County deputies said witnesses' claimed Owens dragged a dog behind the back of a truck in late 2013.

The dog, who was later named Andra Grace, was found and treated for injuries to her legs and feet. She also had to have surgery and a blood transfusion.

Initially, Owens was issued a uniform ordinance summons for cruelty to animals by Greenville County Animal Control. Deputies said after further investigation, animal control and consultation from the solicitor's office, the charges were upgraded to felony animal abuse.

As word spread on Facebook of Andra Grace's injuries, support from across the country poured in for her, and her litter of pups. She was taken up to New York by SNARR Northeast along with her surviving puppies.

Owens pleaded guilty to the charges in court on Tuesday and was sentenced to five years on the ill treatment charge, five years for the habitual traffic offender charge and six months for driving under suspension. He will have to serve his sentences consecutively.

According to reporter Adrian Acosta who was in court, the judge said the case was, "One of the cruelest things I've seen since I've been on the bench."